Today, I salute Navy Veteran Matthew Roach. In 2019, Matthew was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He underwent robotic surgery and 38 consecutive days of radiation and was declared cancer-free in 2020, only to have the cancer return with a vengeance in 2024. It was now also in his colon, lymph nodes, tailbone, and shoulder blade. Matthew thought he was going to die. Thanks to the aggressive treatment of his team, he beat cancer again. To celebrate, Matthew donated a bell to the Lubbock VA Clinic, signifying his triumph over stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer. Not only did he donate it, but he was the very first to ring it. On the bell are the words, “Ring the bell, three times well, it tolls to clearly say. My treatment’s done, this course is run, and I am on my way. Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring others, Matthew, and THANK YOU for your service.
